Lenovo's new Yoga mouse doubles as a remote control

The humble computer mouse hasn't changed much since it was first conceived back in the 1960s, but the new Logitech Yoga Mouse has an interesting trick up its sleeve. It doubles as a Windows remote control for taking command of your media player, presentation software and other applications.

The transforming input device is Windows 10-compatible and includes an integrated rechargeable battery that Lenovo says lasts up to a month (there's a physical on/off switch so you can save power where necessary). Measuring 112.5 x 59.9 x 13.5 mm (4.43 x 2.36 x 0.53 in), the mouse/remote hybrid weighs 68 g or 0.15 lb.

Its twisting and folding mechanisms are not dissimilar from the company's convertible laptops. In fact, going by its moniker and the available color schemes, the device is intended to accompany the Yoga 900 laptop or the newly-announced Yoga 900S. You can pick it up in clementine orange, champagne gold, platinum silver or ebony black.

The idea is you can use your mouse as normal and then sit back and control a slideshow or a movie download from a distance. The device connects either via 2.4 GHz wireless (using a proprietary USB dongle) or the more common Bluetooth 4.0 protocol, and the 1,600 DPI (dots per linear inch) sensitivity is perfectly fine too. Considering its diminutive size it's built for computing on the go, the sort of peripheral you could toss in a backpack or a laptop back while on the move.

Lenovo unveiled the Yoga mouse at its press event at CES 2016, but it wasn't the only input device to be shown off. There's also the Lenovo Y Gaming Optical Mouse, which cranks up the sensitivity levels to an impressive 4,000 DPI. There are five programmable buttons to take advantage of here, making it a decent budget option for serious gamers.

This second mouse is a wired model connected via USB. It has a distinctive ergonomic shape with red accents and a red LED indicator. Lenovo's own custom software comes with the mouse, to cater for configuration of its various features.

The transforming Yoga Mouse goes on sale in April for US$69.99, while you can pick up the Y Gaming Optical Mouse for $39.99 from May.